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Elliott Godwin
Participating Frequently
June 4, 2017
Answered

(On Mac) Need to export alpha channel video for use on a PC.

  • June 4, 2017
  • 3 replies
  • 8435 views

Hello there,

I have no problem exporting as animation with Alpha channel included.

This is fine for me on a Mac as it's an .mov

But the file is for somebody using a PC and they can't work with it.

Obviously I can't export as AVI which would solve the problem.

I don't want to export as an image sequence because the video has audio.

Any ideas?

Thanks in advance.

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer Warren Heaton

Where is the different reason?

If anything I'm elaborating on more information when somebody tries to answer question B and C when I only asked question A.

I just want a simple video + alpha channel + audio as stated.

Maybe there is a way to get AE or Media Converter to export to AVI in the same way the windows version can export to MOV and AVI - that would be a solution..

I know my OTHER options.

I can only export .mov and he can't use that.


Elliott:

I can think of two things:

Plan A:

Start with the "Lossless with Alpha" Output Module.  In the Format Options, change the Video Codec from Animation to "None (Uncompressed RGB 8-bit)".  When the movie finishes rendering, change the .mov file extension to .avi.  Send a short test file ahead of time before committing to the entire animation.  This should work.

Plan B:

Gain access to a Windows machine (that is, install Bootcamp or go to your local Costco or Best Buy and purchase a box).  Ideally, it would already have the same version of AE installed.  If not, you can install AE via your Creative Cloud membership (if you're using the plan for individuals and you already have two machines active, CC will prompt you to log out of one of the other two machines).  Render the AVI with Alpha.   (If you purchased a Windows machine in step one from Costco, return it.)

-Warren

3 replies

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DavyDoo
Participant
October 14, 2022

Hey I have been having the same issue. Client needs one file that has the rgb Alpha and sound all in one. I didn't know a Mac could not create the avi with the alpha. The only thing I found to mostly work (its hit and miss) is a Webm format. www.fnordware.com/webm/ made a codec but it was a while ago and hasn't been updated for a while. works for what I need in OBS  

Mike_Abbott
Mike_Abbott
Legend
June 4, 2017

Is there an issue with them installing QT on their windows machine?

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Elliott GodwinAuthor
Participating Frequently
June 5, 2017

Yes because they're not playing it, they're using it in Sony Vegas on a PC.

P.M.B
P.M.B
Legend
June 5, 2017

You have missed the point. DAVE LARONDE.

If I were running after effects on a PC, I would output AVI Animation with Alpha Channel included.

However, as stated I am running a Mac, Which can only output a .MOV Animation with Alpha Channel included.

If I could also output AVI I would do that instead. I have also stated that I wish to keep it as one file rather than separate audio files with an image sequence. (Did you read that part?)

They are producing simple in-house videos for their brand - they aren't a production contractor with specific specifications.

I realise that reading the actual original post is a 'radical notion in this day and age' but don't go off on one when you haven't.


VEGAS SUPPORTS QUICKTIME!!!!!     We're not stupid.  We read your posts.  Problem is you can't put water in a full cup. Know what I mean?  You seem to be stuck on the notion you cannot use .mov on windows.  

~Gutterfish
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Anonymous
June 4, 2017

you can always export an image sequence with a audio file same duration. that's a good option. An uncompressed video should work too. or you can export an avi from quicktime 7 or ask them if there is any other video codec that will work.

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Elliott GodwinAuthor
Participating Frequently
June 4, 2017

Sadly image sequence isn't a viable option for me in this scenario.

Uncompressed video is 'Animation' but is exported as a .mov - that's the problem.

If you convert a .MOV to .AVI in a converter program, it's pretty much guaranteed not to carry across the alpha channel.

Thanks anyway though.

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Anonymous
June 4, 2017

I always thought animation is not uncompressed. Animation is an apple codec if I'm not wrong.

I was talking about choosing codec none. *uncompressed.

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